Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Crowned Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been awarded Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025, held on December 11 in Los Angeles, United States. Released on April 24, 2025, the title is a role-playing game (RPG) that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy into a compelling narrative.

The concept for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was first conceived in 2019. Developers Guillaume Broche and Nicholas Masxon-Francombe collaborated to create the fantasy RPG, drawing inspiration from their childhood favorite, Final Fantasy.

Based on player feedback analyzed by Game Informer, the game is widely regarded as deserving of its prestigious recognition within the global gaming industry. Developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive, the game’s narrative has been praised for its ability to captivate players through a seamless fusion of science fiction and fantasy themes.

The story transports players to the world of Lumière, a realm shrouded in fear caused by a mysterious entity known as the Paintress. Each year, a towering and enigmatic figure appears to inscribe a number onto a mountain pillar, a ritual that drives the central mystery of the game.

Visually, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received acclaim for its striking artistic style, which resembles a living painting inspired by France’s Belle Époque era, albeit with a darker tone. The use of Unreal Engine 5 significantly enhances the game’s immersive environments, including a breathtaking underwater opening sequence.

The game is further elevated by a melancholic piano-driven soundtrack that intensifies emotional depth and tension throughout the journey. Many players also appreciate the game’s tightly focused narrative, which avoids unnecessary character backstories while maintaining emotional impact.

Each character features a well-defined narrative arc that contributes to the game’s strong pacing, ensuring an engaging experience without the dull moments commonly found in other RPGs. The game successfully blends nostalgic elements with modern gameplay innovations, offering players an emotionally rich and challenging adventure.

In the Game of the Year category, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 surpassed notable contenders such as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

The Game Awards 2025 featured a total of 29 categories, including Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Audio Design, and Best Performance. Additional awards were presented for Best Independent Game, Best Mobile Game, Best VR/AR Game, Best Adaptation, and Best Esports Team.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2074335/clair-obscur-expedition-33-wins-game-of-the-year-2025?tracking_page_direct